NFL Draft Prep: Top 10 Rookie WRs Post Combine

Rookie fever is in full swing, especially in the days and weeks following the NFL combine. Rookie receivers, in particular, have been the focus of dynasty buzz in the past week or so. Some of them significantly supplanted themselves in the discussion for the best receiver in this draft class, while others seemed to hurt their dynasty stock in Indianapolis at the combine. In years past it has appeared as if there were one or two big names that were the consensus top receiver for that year, but this year feels a little different. There seems to be more of an opinionated feel among the dynasty community about their top rookie receivers for 2018. Sure, some will change their opinions on who they like more once the NFL draft has concluded and we know where some of these players will start their NFL careers.

However, I believe that it is essential to have your top-ranked rookie receivers that you believe in before the NFL draft has begun. This allows you to formulate your own opinion on certain players and their talent regardless of the landing spot. I always want to have my rankings of players before the NFL draft just because I do not want landing spots to cloud my judgment of my opinion on who is merely the more talented player. Without further ado, here are my top 10 dynasty rookie wide receivers for 2018 following the NFL combine.

1. DJ Moore – Maryland
Measurables:

DJ Moore possesses a great combination of speed, quickness, and size that’s hard to find at his position in this draft. He led Maryland in receiving yards his sophomore and junior seasons despite the inconsistent quarterback play. Moore caught passes from four different quarterbacks at Maryland last season and still managed to haul in 80 receptions (Maryland school record) for 1,033 yards and eight touchdowns. Moore is a great teammate with no off the field concerns with exceptional hands as well as a dangerous run after the catch ability.

2. Christian Kirk – Texas A&M
Measurables:

Christian Kirk is a short, quick wide receiver that has plenty of burst to his game. Although he is small, he has excellent upper body strength that allows him to get good separation from bigger defenders. Will offer slot production for an NFL team right away and will show his very exceptional route running skills. The Texas A&M product could also provide kick and punt return services as he was one of the best in the country last year as a return man.

3. Courtland Sutton – SMU
Measurables:

Courtland Sutton is far and away the best prototypical outside receiver in this class. Sutton is a massive target that had huge production during his time at SMU. He is a possession receiver that lacks speed and quickness which translated to his inconsistent ability to get separation from defensive backs in college. The positives with Sutton are that he is the best receiver in this class at making contested catches as well as an exceptional run blocker that will keep him on the field.

4. Calvin Ridley – Alabama
Measurables:

Calvin Ridley doesn’t quite have the size you would want from a wide receiver, but what he does have is elite route running combined with quickness and speed. The former Alabama receiver is projected by many to be the top receiver drafted in April, which bodes well for his dynasty stock. Calvin Ridley might be the most pro-ready receiver in this class as there isn’t a bad part of his game. He can separate from defenders effortlessly and has above average catching ability.

5. Equanimeous St. Brown – Notre Dame
Measurables:

Equanimeous St. Brown is a tall wide receiver that possesses outstanding speed, especially for a player at his size. The production in college isn’t there due to the inconsistent quarterback play during his time at Notre Dame. By no means is he a finished product, but he provides tremendous upside for a team that is willing to work with him.

6. James Washington – Oklahoma State
Measurables:

No receiver in this class had more production in college than James Washington. At Oklahoma State, James caught 226 passes for 4,472 yards and 39 touchdowns. He is a vertical threat that knows how to make contested catches for a player of his size. He will need to work on his route running once he is drafted if he ever wants to become more than just a deep threat.

7. DJ Chark – LSU
Measurables:

Height: 6-3
Weight: 199
Age: 21
40-yard dash: 4.34s
Vert Jump: 40 inches
Hand Size: 9 ¼ inches
DJ Chark was arguably the most impressive receiver at the NFL combine. No wide receiver improved his draft stock more than him in my opinion. Chark has a rare combination of size and speed. He possesses raw talent that could be developed in the right situation. He is an explosive athlete that needs to work on his route running to become a team’s every-down wide receiver as opposed to just a deep threat.

8. Anthony Miller – Memphis
Measurables:

Anthony Miller is a small school receiver that lacks the typical size you would want at his position. What Miller does possess is a very elusive and physical game that translates to a very competitive player. Very good route runner that can accelerate and stop on a dime. Anthony Miller will need to work on his hand concentration as he showed the inability to consistently catch passes at Memphis.

9. Deon Cain – Clemson
Measurables:

Deon Cain has decent size and quickness. He showed the ability to get open down the field while at Clemson. He didn’t quite have the production that most of the high profile named receivers that have come out of Clemson in recent years. Cain is a very physical receiver that can make the tough contested catches.

10. Michael Gallup – Colorado State
Measurables:

Michael Gallup has above average size as well as quickness that translates to his excellent route running ability that he showed in college. Doesn’t possess high speed but he does have exceptional hands. Showed the ability in college to consistently win contested catches on deep throws.